Durable pest-repelling formulations

Abstract

Formulations usable in repelling pests from objects are provided. The formulations contain a tacky polymeric composition and can be aqueous formulations and/or formulation that are devoid of an organic solvent. The formulations exhibit exceptional durability when applied to objects such as plants.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A formulation comprising a tacky polymeric composition, an emulsifying agent or system and water, wherein:
 an amount of said tacky polymeric composition is at least 40 weight percent of the total weight of the formulation; 
 said tacky polymeric composition is characterized by tackiness of at least 400 N/m 2 ; 
 an amount of said water ranges from 20 to 30 weight percent of the total weight of the formulation; and 
 a weight ratio of said tacky polymeric composition and said emulsifying agent or system is at least 10:3, 
 the formulation being devoid of an organic solvent. 
 
     
     
       2. The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said tacky polymeric composition comprises or consists of a tacky polymer. 
     
     
       3. The formulation of  claim 2 , wherein said tacky polymer is a polyolefin. 
     
     
       4. The formulation of  claim 3 , wherein said polyolefin is a polybutene. 
     
     
       5. The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said tacky polymeric composition is characterized by tackiness of at least 480 N/m 2 . 
     
     
       6. The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein an amount of said emulsifying agent or system ranges from 0.1 to 27 weight percent, of the total weight of the formulation. 
     
     
       7. The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said emulsifying agent or system features an HLB value lower by at least 5% or by at least 10%, or by at least 20%, from the HLB value required for forming a stable formulation of said tacky polymeric composition and water. 
     
     
       8. The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said emulsifying agent or system features an HLB value lower than 15. 
     
     
       9. The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said emulsifying agent or system is non-phytotoxic. 
     
     
       10. The formulation of  claim 1 , further comprising a thixotropic agent. 
     
     
       11. A method of repelling a pest from an object, the method comprising applying the formulation of  claim 1  on a surface of the object and/or near at least a portion of the object. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the pest is an insect. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein said insect is a social insect. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , wherein said object is a plant. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein said object is a tree. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising re-applying the formulation after a first time period, said first time period being at least 1 month.